# Ringotan vs Kanji Sumo

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Ringotan at none against Kanji Sumo's 23. Ringotan also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs every 10 days) and iOS requirement (12.2 vs 26.6). On price, review sentiment, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Kanji Sumo sells 23 one-off in-app purchases. Ringotan asks for nothing beyond the download.

Ringotan ships an update every 3 days, Kanji Sumo every 10 days. The most recent releases landed on October 14, 2026 and October 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Ringotan | Kanji Sumo |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.9 (567 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ringotan/id1633001064/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **567** | — |
| Positive reviews | 95.7% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | **No** | Yes |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | **Every 3 days** | Every 10 days |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 206 MB | 26 MB |
| Requires iOS | **12.2** | 26.6 |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Daniel Pflughoeft](https://appshunter.io/developer/1633001066) | [Conslt Ltd](https://appshunter.io/developer/1161855589) |

## What reviewers say

### Ringotan

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ringotan/id1633001064)

Master Japanese Kanji by practicing writing. This app uses advanced input detection and spaced repetition to help you learn quickly and effectively. Focuses on the physical act of writing characters, not just recognition.

**Highlights:** Learn Kanji by writing, Advanced input detection, Spaced repetition system (SRS), Focus on writing, not just reading, Frequent updates with new features

**Features:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Effective kanji learning system
- 👍 Intuitive and easy to use
- 🔓 No ads or paywalls
- 💡 Customizable settings and integration with other resources
- 🎨 Visually pleasing and engaging

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🔍 Keyword hints not always clear enough
- 🔀 Limited ability to customize word lists
- 🔆 Light mode only, no dark mode option
- 🔍 Difficulty identifying which kanji is being tested at times

**Reported bugs**

- Occasional issues with stroke order recognition
- Some kanji pronunciations not accurately represented

**Requested features**

- Add dark mode option
- Allow users to create and save custom kanji lists
- Provide more detailed keyword hints before writing
- Implement device sync to continue progress across platforms
- Add notification system to remind users of upcoming reviews


### Kanji Sumo

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/kanji-sumo/id6499072637)

Master Japanese writing systems with a user-friendly flashcard app. Explore over 2000 cards across 7 decks, covering Kanji, Hiragana, and Katakana. Swipe through cards to learn meanings, pronunciations, and example words.

**Highlights:** Learn Kanji, Hiragana, Katakana, Over 2000 flashcards, 7 organized decks, Swipe-based learning, Meaning and pronunciation details, Example words with meanings

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Family Sharing, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (23)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Feelings & Personality | $0.99 | one-time |
| Work & Office | $0.99 | one-time |
| Nature, Weather & Seasons | $0.99 | one-time |
| Japanese Culture & Traditions | $0.99 | one-time |
| Hobbies, Sports & Leisure | $0.99 | one-time |
| Technology & Communication | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dating & Relationships | $0.99 | one-time |
| Vocabulary for the Konbini | $0.99 | one-time |
| Verbs | $0.99 | one-time |
| Adjectives | $0.99 | one-time |
| Pronouns | $0.99 | one-time |
| Basic kanji | $0.99 | one-time |
| Dates | $0.99 | one-time |
| Anime & Manga | $0.99 | one-time |
| Time | $0.99 | one-time |
| Basic nouns | $0.99 | one-time |
| Basic katakana words | $0.99 | one-time |
| Onomatopoeia | $1.99 | one-time |
| Intermediate kanji | $1.99 | one-time |
| Vocabulary | $1.99 | one-time |
| Proficient kanji | $2.99 | one-time |
| Kanji | $3.99 | one-time |
| Complete content | $4.99 | one-time |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Ringotan free?

Ringotan is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Kanji Sumo free?

Kanji Sumo is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do Ringotan or Kanji Sumo have ads?

Neither Ringotan nor Kanji Sumo shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, Ringotan or Kanji Sumo?

Ringotan ships an update every 3 days, and Kanji Sumo every 10 days. Most recently, Ringotan was updated on October 14, 2026 and Kanji Sumo on October 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*